"For All the Good Times ...xxxxx Love Abby". A Challenge 5 fic for "Anniversary"
Title:- For All the Good Times
Fandom:- NCIS
Pairing:-Gibbs/Ducky and Tim/Abby.
Genre:- Slash with a touch of het romance.
Author:- Ren aka feenixandashes
Summery:- An anniversary trip with Abby.
Warning:- This is A DEATH FIC, Major character deaths, however death is outside the story so no great detail, but there all the same
Disclaimer:- these gorgeous people are not mine to own, but I am allowed to play with them surely?
The bright Scottish sunshine blazed though the unlined curtains and settled on Abby McGee’s closed eyelids. Sensing the brightness her lashes flickered and she blinked, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
Waking up quickly was a habit she could never get out of, even though she had long stopped working. Her life was now devoted to other things. The Abby of youth would surely have reared back in horror at the thought of herself being labelled a house wife, but the arthritis in her hands had restricted her usefulness in the laboratory at NCIS. So she retired and spent her days researching for her latest book on forensic science based on its past, present and future.
Professor Abigail McGee was certainly a force in her field, her retirement gave her the means to focus at her leisure on her favourite hobby. However for now she simply enjoyed the cool gentle breeze that floated through the closed curtains and enjoyed the peacefulness that she now embraced, the hectic noises of everyday living in Washington DC seemed almost a life time away.
The movement of her husband next to her brought a smile to her face, Tim her husband of 35 years was still to her mind as handsome as he was the day they were introduced. She remembered the shock on peoples faces the day she and Tim announced their engagement. Along with happy congratulations, they both awaited the negative responses that they both knew where forthcoming and were not disappointed. Some uncharitable individuals did not understand that these two people who were so opposite would be so close and so happy to be with each other, the Geek and the Goth, hurtful words yet simply ignored. Even Tony DiNozzo put his pennies worth in, mocking them continuously until like a child he tired of it.
However she and Tim rode brilliantly through it all, their biggest supporters of course were Gibbs and Ducky. Ah yes of course her champions she remembered a small smile gracing her face. How long ago that seemed, and how she missed them, and yet here she was on one of her yearly ritual visits to this, her champions special place.
“Cup of coffee Abbs?” The gentle voice of her husband broke through her thoughts and she gave him a loving smile as he got out of bed to make a cup. Yes this was her only caffeine intake now, the Caf-pow long retired. She continued to lie back on the plump pillows and as the sun shone through she went back to remembering what brought her here on this day, for this anniversary.
***********************************************
“Here’s looking at you kid”
What had begun to be in what NCIS would describe as a normal day, did not exactly turn out that way. Essentially it was definitely one that would be spoken of for months if not years ahead.
One minute Special Agent Gibbs was in the midst of a conversation with Dr Mallard, the next the said Dr was the recipient of what the female workers would consider the most romantic and downright sensual kiss. Even the 1940’s Hollywood classic Casablanca would be hard pushed to come up with something better.
Gibbs had pressed his body even closer to Ducky’s and was smoothing his arms up and down Ducky’s side from shoulder to hip, in a slow and erotic rhythm, everyone was almost paralysed by the scene before them. His other hand caressed Ducky’s features in a loving gesture as if Gibbs was touching the finest silk and at the same time pressed his lips to those of his now revealed lover, Everyone waited for them to come up for air. If the temperature in the office was lukewarm at best, now it certainly had risen well above steaming point.
It certainly was a shock to those working at NCIS, well with the exception of Abby and McGee, who believed it was a event which was certainly long over due.
What possessed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs to kiss the M.E. Dr Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the middle of the main office during a busy afternoon was anyone’s guess. Many explanations came to mind. To some including Tony DiNozzo, Special Agent Gibbs was perhaps possessed by aliens. Maybe he was drunk, thought those who little knew him. Maybe he did it as a means of shutting up the elder M.E who was known for his elaborate tales considered Ziva. Maybe it was a means to attract the attention of the Director, thought a certain redhead. Clearly they were not remotely close to the truth.
It was simply that Jethro Gibbs had chosen this dull morning to show to the world his utter devotion to the Doctor and evidently did not care for the uproar that was to follow.
“Way to go Gibbs.” Abby shouted clearly delighted by the scene that she was party to. She dug Tim in the ribs.
“Yes Congratulations Sir.” Tim was unsure as what he was congratulating them for to be honest, but whatever the celebration it made Abby happy and that in turn pleased him. She managed to get in between her boss and the overwhelmed Ducky to hug them both, although her excitement did relieve Ducky of a few breaths of much needed air.
The after effects of this unprovoked action had managed to silence a stunned Ducky, and a hint of blush spread across his face at Abby’s remark and her obvious delight. Still reeling from the public display of his lover, he glanced up at Jethro who himself was almost wide eyed and smiled. Ducky’s smile had the ability to brighten up his entire face, and anyone within its catchment would be utterly captivated by the sheer emotion present in that smile. Jethro gently brushed his long fingers against Ducky’s cheek and leant in to lure his lover into another heart stopping kiss.
Abby gave a whoop of joy which nearly gave her own lover a shock, but again Tim forgave her. Boy did he have his job cut out in this relationship,
While everyone else was joining in this joyous event, Jennifer Shepard stood and watched, her face devoid of expression but her emotions rolling. She unwisely thought that this had been staged for her benefit in the misguided belief that Jethro still had feelings for her. She foolishly thought he was trying to make her jealous, the thought of him having any feelings for the elderly and in her opinion decrepit Dr was a preposterous idea. And this drama was a message for her to get her backside into gear and get moving in her relationship with Jethro. Her selfish narrow minded thoughts did not take into account that her moves on Jethro were never reciprocated. As with all people who are so absorbed with devotion to one single person, they are blinded to the truth. No matter how many times Jethro gave voice to the fact that there was no relationship between them both, she never actually heard the words, and as far as she was concerned they were involved. She had somehow managed to twist the enfolding performance in front of her for her own means.
Of course Gibbs being Gibbs was well aware of Jenn’s dangerous preoccupation with him and would therefore take great care in ensuring that Ducky would not be a candidate for Jen’s almost certain terrorist campaign against them.
*************************************
The tinkle of the china coffee cup brought Abby back to the present, glancing up at the tall form of her partner. Tim McGee smiled down at his wife, Abby knew they were still so much in love, and even though the pig tailed black clothed goddess was now a white haired professor of forensics, their love had never strayed from the first day they met.
“Big day Abbs?” Tim said as he sat next to his wife, careful not to spill her coffee.
“Certainly is McGee.” She leaned over to take her cup and to steal a brief kiss.
“One I am looking forward to Tim” she sipped her coffee then continued “Well we best get a big breakfast down us and get ready to go on our pilgrimage.” she grinned. “Once I get the caffeine in me I’ll race you to the shower.”
*******************************************
“When ev’ry happy plot, ends with a marriage knot”
“Owwww.” Tim shouted as his elbow hit the edge of the chair he was sitting on, the result of a hyperactive Abby who was bouncing merrily next to him like a child who had too much artificial sweetener. However Abby did manage to absorb rather a lot of Caf-pow before they arrived for the wedding ceremony, and now Tim was dearly paying for her exuberance. He managed to push her back on her own chair none too carefully, as he tried not to fall off his own in the process, and not attract attention to himself, all eyes were on Gibbs and Ducky who were signing the marriage register.
The wedding had taken place at NCIS. Tony DiNozzo had implied rather tastelessly that setting the celebrations here seemed to have saved Gibbs a lot of money than hiring a hall to impress his potential ‘Ducky-to-be’. Not having noticed the look on Gibbs’ face and not realising that he was slowly digging himself into an early grave Tony carried on with his wise ass quips about how Ducky was rich, and did Gibbs know he was marrying into wealth? Did Ducky have a dowry? And how it was a bit late for Ducky to be dressed in white. Fortunately for those who were forced to listen to Tony’s loud and less than wise words, they were treated to the typical Gibbs display of hearing Tony’s brain rattle as Gibbs slapped him on the head. There were then bets on how long Tony’s ears would ring.
Abby and Tim went up to the happy couple who were now drinking the typical celebratory champagne. She kissed both men on the cheek and gave them one of her Abby hugs.
“Hey Gibbs if you’re my step dad, does that mean that Ducky is my step mom?” She grinned tilting her head for effect.
Before Gibbs could reply Abby turned to look at Ducky “Hi Mom, You look fantastic, Dad should be thrilled that you take years off him.” She managed to avert a stray slap that was heading her way.
Ducky returned her grin with a million dollar one of his own.
“I feel fantastic Abigail. Thank you for saying so.” He opened his arms and she again hugged him.
“Hey Mom, Dad, Can I have a glass of bubbly, please mom, please dad?” Watching Abby bounce up and down like a pre teen Gibbs grinned and gave her his own glass.
“McGee?” Gibbs spoke in his most authoritative tone.
“Sir?” Tim automatically responded
“Go dance with the brat.” Abby blew a kiss and left the two lovers, still bouncing, as Tim lead her onto the make shift dance floor.
“They look great together don’t they Jethro?” Ducky murmured in his husband’s ear.
“Not as good as us Duck, not as good as us.” He gently brought his head down to the lips of his lover and covered them with his own. He grinned into the kiss as he heard cheers.
********************************************
Abby could still swear she could still hear the cheers even now as she prepared for her morning shower, she felt her eyes moisten up, but shook her head. “Not now.” she whispered to herself. “Not yet.”
Once Abby had showered, the experience took considerably longer than it should as since Abby had decided to save water and share a shower with her husband, she took her time getting dressed, ignoring Tim who expressed concern about the lateness of the morning.
“Hey Tim, I’m not rushing it’s a special day, I wanna make sure I look my best for them.” Tim gripped his wife’s shoulder and pressed her body against his, stroking her hair, which was still as soft as when she was younger.
“I know how much it means to you hon. I know you want to look your best. They will love it I am sure.” They both smiled at each other, Abby gave her husband's ass a quick squeeze and a wink.
They were rather late for breakfast, but a smile from Abby smoothed over troubled waters and the landlady offered them a typical Scottish fare, which they enjoyed thoroughly.
Back in their hotel bedroom Abby sat on the bed and spoke to the air.
“Well Gibbs, Ducky, we are here again, ready for our journey, looking forward to being with you soon.” She felt her eyes moisten up again, but laughed scanning her memories. “Hey guys remember when Tim proposed to me, and nearly landed up in traction?”
*********************************
“Love is …. Never having to say you’re sorry”
The glass doors of the Forensics lab, commonly known as Abby’s Domain opened to let in Tim McGee. Although he had a long term relationship with the mistress of this room, he still felt uneasy entering her lab. However today he was a man on a mission. For inside his pocket he held the key to his future, nervous fingers touched the small box that lay in his trouser pocket.
The recipient of the key to his future who sat on her chair currently leaning over her work station looked up. Despite the fact that her pigtails were high on her head, and she was entirely clad in white and wearing some bizarre eyewear that made her look like one of Dr Who’s aliens, Tim still loved her and her eccentricities.
“Hi McGee,” she said in her ever pleasant voice. Abby still continued to call her partner by his surname even thought they had been in a long term relationship, to her it was a affectionate pen name if anything, she only called him Tim when she was feeling particularly romantic, which was often.
“Hi err Abbs.” Tim stuttered somewhat, still fiddling with the box in his pocket. Abby noticed his nervousness and raised an eyebrow as her eyes drew to his trouser pocket.
She smirked. “Ooooooh McGee,” she giggled. ”Sex in the lab, kinky.” Her voice lowered to a seductive tone which was easy for Abby. “Where do you want me?”
“Just stay where you are for now Abbs,” replied Tim still nervous as his brains started to turn to jello. “I just want to say something to you.” He paused trying to gather his words together. He walked closer to Abby, so close that she pushed herself away from the desk.
He took the opportunity to bend down in front of her, and Abby in turn gasped, knowing what was to come, but all the same shocked into silence, her kohl lined eyes widened at what was about to come.
Tim cleared his throat. “Abby, I love you so much that sometimes it hurts, but I want to spend the rest of my days with you, I know people say we are too opposite to get on, but I think that’s what makes it work between you and I.” He paused, his whole body shaking, as he looked up at Abby who was still wide eyed and speechless herself. “So I thought that perhaps you might want to make it legal.” He again cleared his throat, took the box out of his pocket opened it towards Abby and revealed a sapphire engagement ring. “Abigail Sciuto, it would give me great satisfaction and eternal happiness if you would agree to become Mrs Timothy McGee.
The silence lasted a second before chaos reigned as Abby gave the biggest screech of joy anyone had ever heard, enough to very nearly shatter the lab. She jumped up from her chair and in her haste sent it flying along in her wake, unfortunately Tim had been leaning on it and was sent careering to the floor where his elbow smashed onto the solid ground. The ring which Abby had forgotten to take in her excitement at the proposal went sliding along the polished floor and rested underneath one of the metal tables.
Holding his arm in pain convinced he had broken it, didn’t stop Tim from scurrying after the ring. Abby after skipping round the lab very nearly fell over Tim in her excitment, however she managed to stop herself damaging Tim. She heard Tim mumble something to her about the lost ring, and she lay down next to him to assist in recovering the runaway gemstone.
It was at this point in time that unnoticed by both, the lab doors slid open and Gibbs and Ducky entered. Still recovering from the wedding celebrations that had happened a month ago, both men were still in the newly wed stage, and still very much rejoicing the fact.
When Gibbs wasn’t busy he could be found in autopsy with Ducky. Many times Gibbs could be seen with his arms round Ducky’s shoulders, or round the less than perfect waist, here were two men who although didn’t need a marriage certificate to confirm their love, thought of it as an added bonus.
Gibbs and his husband how they loved hearing and using that title, stopped on entering the lab and found themselves facing one white clad ass and one dark blue clad ass.
“Is that a mating ritual we missed Jethro do you suppose?” Ducky spoke with a hint of laughter in his gentle tones. “Because if it is dearest, I seriously doubt if I will be able to perform it.”
“I think we have enough rituals of our own Duck," replied Gibbs who was still staring at two posteriors which were twitching and mumbling under the table. “I say we just go back to where we came from and remind ourselves of precisely why I employed Abby and McGee.” Before they could leave, Abby and Tim both got up, Abby held the ring in triumph, and spotted Gibbs and Ducky. She hurled herself towards them, as Gibbs pushed Ducky behind him in protection from the inevitable Abby crash.
“Tim proposed I gotta ring see.” All sense and intelligence seemed to have flowed out of Abby in her excitement. She grabbed Gibbs by his collar and gave him a sloppy kiss, Ducky tried to hide but was unsuccessful as Abby imprinted her kiss onto his cheek.
Then she gave a look of horror and twirled round to the instigator of her current mood, and ran towards him covering his face with quick kisses that suddenly turned immeasurably more sensual as the seconds ticked away. Tim soon forgot his painful elbow and returned Abby’s kisses both ignoring their guests. Gibbs felt a tug on his sleeve as Ducky pulled him away, Gibbs with his arms around the warm body of his husband left the lab, both wearing large smiles on their faces.
******************************************
“I really don’t know where you get this energy from Abby.” Tim puffed as he struggled up the hill. “It’s all the Caf-pow I use to drink my love, I knew it was good for me.” Abby replied as Tim struggled to catch up with her.
“I don’t know why we didn’t book into a hotel closer to here.” He complained.
Abby gave an exasperated sigh “What and miss all this beauty my Darling.” They reached the top of one of the many hills. “Now wasn’t this all worth it?” She encompassed the surrounding area with her hands, as they both surveyed the beauty of their environment.
Loch Achray was one of the most beautiful Lochs in all Scotland. Named Achray which meant smooth field because of the calmness of the water which gave a spectacular reflection of the surrounding hills on its surface, showed the viewer an appreciation of the beauty and the calmness of this district. Abby knew why it became so special with Ducky and Gibbs.
They continued down the hill and on their way to the edge of the loch they passed Trossachs Church which sat watching over the loch like a serene quiet guardian.
Both taking in the countless colours and the magnificent scenery, and yet both feeling sad at the memory of a particular visit they made 10 years previously.
*********************************
Farewell, farewell my pleasure past.
Welcome my present pain
Welcome the torment in my heart
To see my Love again.
Alone, Alone, I longed for him,
Ah mistresses forsaking.
Now must I tell my hopes and fear
Of love ne’vr awakening.
The gentle patter of the water lapping against the edges of the loch was the only sound that disturbed the atmosphere. Armed with a small light blue urn, Jethro Gibbs with tears in his eyes listened to Tim McGee read out a poem, his hushed tones mixing well with the surrounding quiet of the Scottish Loch.
Holding on to his arms Abby McGee Professor of Forensics, wept silently, the breeze whipping her white streaked dark hair round her face, her eyes swollen with long hours of sorrow, and sleepless nights, everyone felt the same, but no one would feel the painful wrench of being torn from your partner like Gibbs had experienced.
Ducky’s death was still something that although would happen eventually, nonetheless shocked all. Ducky who still retained somewhat youthful looks and was mentally alert as ever having escaped the disease that struck his mother down many years previously, had one night gone to bed with his husband of many years and simply never woken up. Despite the horror of waking up to the cool body of his lover, Gibbs managed to retain the thought that Ducky had died peacefully and in a way exactly as he planned, in the arms of his beloved.
However it was still too much to handle for the former marine, who would have completely gone to pieces, had Abby and Tim not supported him. It was Tim who organised everything while Gibbs out of character had hidden almost away grief stricken, unable to cope with losing his beloved of almost 50 years. If Abby who some how managed to find a strength deep within her to cope with a distressed widower had not been there, then Gibbs would have been joining Duck on the journey to eternal peace.
Finally over a period of time Gibbs started to return to a relatively normal state of being, and after Ducky’s cremation, all three had flown to this beautiful spot in the Scottish regions, to abide by Ducky’s last request. To lie in eternal peace in Scotland. Gibbs had chosen a spot where he could spread the ashes of his loving husband. Somewhere were beauty and tranquillity would prevail, a long way from the noise and pollution of the cities.
Tim finished the poem and Gibbs gave a long and deep sigh, they all gathered near the waters edge, and Gibbs took of the urn lid, and shook out the ashes, Ducky was finally free, finally able to flow over the beauty and magnificence that was before them. Gibbs sobbed as he silently waved good bye to Ducky and promised to be with him soon.
*********************************
“Are you ready to go my love?” Tim whispered judging correctly the mood his wife was in at present. Abby let tears fall unheeded down her face, she nodded at her husband, as she picked up the pale blue urn resting at her feet.
“I don’t know why I’m crying McGee, it’s supposed to be a somewhat happy occasion for Gibbs.” Tim patted his wife’s shoulder and arm in arm they walked slowly from the church to the waters edge in precisely the same spot that they had been 10 years previously.
Abby moved a few steps away from her husband and with tears flowing again from her eyes took the urn lid of and cast out the ashes of Jethro Gibbs the one man whom she considered almost her father. “Go on Gibbs.” She shouted through the tears. “Go find him, he’s waiting,” Then she put down the urn as the ashes blew in the fresh breeze flying over the reflective loch. “I love you both, may you rest in eternal peace, forever in each others arms.
She smiled as she turned to her husband. Tim opened a book and in a low but clear voice almost singing……
“The Soul takes flight to a world that is invisible. At there arriving is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.”
Then the peace and quiet once more reigned as the two turned to walk back, completing their journey.
The End
(The last quote is from Plato on the death of Socrates)
Fandom:- NCIS
Pairing:-Gibbs/Ducky and Tim/Abby.
Genre:- Slash with a touch of het romance.
Author:- Ren aka feenixandashes
Summery:- An anniversary trip with Abby.
Warning:- This is A DEATH FIC, Major character deaths, however death is outside the story so no great detail, but there all the same
Disclaimer:- these gorgeous people are not mine to own, but I am allowed to play with them surely?
The bright Scottish sunshine blazed though the unlined curtains and settled on Abby McGee’s closed eyelids. Sensing the brightness her lashes flickered and she blinked, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
Waking up quickly was a habit she could never get out of, even though she had long stopped working. Her life was now devoted to other things. The Abby of youth would surely have reared back in horror at the thought of herself being labelled a house wife, but the arthritis in her hands had restricted her usefulness in the laboratory at NCIS. So she retired and spent her days researching for her latest book on forensic science based on its past, present and future.
Professor Abigail McGee was certainly a force in her field, her retirement gave her the means to focus at her leisure on her favourite hobby. However for now she simply enjoyed the cool gentle breeze that floated through the closed curtains and enjoyed the peacefulness that she now embraced, the hectic noises of everyday living in Washington DC seemed almost a life time away.
The movement of her husband next to her brought a smile to her face, Tim her husband of 35 years was still to her mind as handsome as he was the day they were introduced. She remembered the shock on peoples faces the day she and Tim announced their engagement. Along with happy congratulations, they both awaited the negative responses that they both knew where forthcoming and were not disappointed. Some uncharitable individuals did not understand that these two people who were so opposite would be so close and so happy to be with each other, the Geek and the Goth, hurtful words yet simply ignored. Even Tony DiNozzo put his pennies worth in, mocking them continuously until like a child he tired of it.
However she and Tim rode brilliantly through it all, their biggest supporters of course were Gibbs and Ducky. Ah yes of course her champions she remembered a small smile gracing her face. How long ago that seemed, and how she missed them, and yet here she was on one of her yearly ritual visits to this, her champions special place.
“Cup of coffee Abbs?” The gentle voice of her husband broke through her thoughts and she gave him a loving smile as he got out of bed to make a cup. Yes this was her only caffeine intake now, the Caf-pow long retired. She continued to lie back on the plump pillows and as the sun shone through she went back to remembering what brought her here on this day, for this anniversary.
***********************************************
“Here’s looking at you kid”
What had begun to be in what NCIS would describe as a normal day, did not exactly turn out that way. Essentially it was definitely one that would be spoken of for months if not years ahead.
One minute Special Agent Gibbs was in the midst of a conversation with Dr Mallard, the next the said Dr was the recipient of what the female workers would consider the most romantic and downright sensual kiss. Even the 1940’s Hollywood classic Casablanca would be hard pushed to come up with something better.
Gibbs had pressed his body even closer to Ducky’s and was smoothing his arms up and down Ducky’s side from shoulder to hip, in a slow and erotic rhythm, everyone was almost paralysed by the scene before them. His other hand caressed Ducky’s features in a loving gesture as if Gibbs was touching the finest silk and at the same time pressed his lips to those of his now revealed lover, Everyone waited for them to come up for air. If the temperature in the office was lukewarm at best, now it certainly had risen well above steaming point.
It certainly was a shock to those working at NCIS, well with the exception of Abby and McGee, who believed it was a event which was certainly long over due.
What possessed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs to kiss the M.E. Dr Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the middle of the main office during a busy afternoon was anyone’s guess. Many explanations came to mind. To some including Tony DiNozzo, Special Agent Gibbs was perhaps possessed by aliens. Maybe he was drunk, thought those who little knew him. Maybe he did it as a means of shutting up the elder M.E who was known for his elaborate tales considered Ziva. Maybe it was a means to attract the attention of the Director, thought a certain redhead. Clearly they were not remotely close to the truth.
It was simply that Jethro Gibbs had chosen this dull morning to show to the world his utter devotion to the Doctor and evidently did not care for the uproar that was to follow.
“Way to go Gibbs.” Abby shouted clearly delighted by the scene that she was party to. She dug Tim in the ribs.
“Yes Congratulations Sir.” Tim was unsure as what he was congratulating them for to be honest, but whatever the celebration it made Abby happy and that in turn pleased him. She managed to get in between her boss and the overwhelmed Ducky to hug them both, although her excitement did relieve Ducky of a few breaths of much needed air.
The after effects of this unprovoked action had managed to silence a stunned Ducky, and a hint of blush spread across his face at Abby’s remark and her obvious delight. Still reeling from the public display of his lover, he glanced up at Jethro who himself was almost wide eyed and smiled. Ducky’s smile had the ability to brighten up his entire face, and anyone within its catchment would be utterly captivated by the sheer emotion present in that smile. Jethro gently brushed his long fingers against Ducky’s cheek and leant in to lure his lover into another heart stopping kiss.
Abby gave a whoop of joy which nearly gave her own lover a shock, but again Tim forgave her. Boy did he have his job cut out in this relationship,
While everyone else was joining in this joyous event, Jennifer Shepard stood and watched, her face devoid of expression but her emotions rolling. She unwisely thought that this had been staged for her benefit in the misguided belief that Jethro still had feelings for her. She foolishly thought he was trying to make her jealous, the thought of him having any feelings for the elderly and in her opinion decrepit Dr was a preposterous idea. And this drama was a message for her to get her backside into gear and get moving in her relationship with Jethro. Her selfish narrow minded thoughts did not take into account that her moves on Jethro were never reciprocated. As with all people who are so absorbed with devotion to one single person, they are blinded to the truth. No matter how many times Jethro gave voice to the fact that there was no relationship between them both, she never actually heard the words, and as far as she was concerned they were involved. She had somehow managed to twist the enfolding performance in front of her for her own means.
Of course Gibbs being Gibbs was well aware of Jenn’s dangerous preoccupation with him and would therefore take great care in ensuring that Ducky would not be a candidate for Jen’s almost certain terrorist campaign against them.
*************************************
The tinkle of the china coffee cup brought Abby back to the present, glancing up at the tall form of her partner. Tim McGee smiled down at his wife, Abby knew they were still so much in love, and even though the pig tailed black clothed goddess was now a white haired professor of forensics, their love had never strayed from the first day they met.
“Big day Abbs?” Tim said as he sat next to his wife, careful not to spill her coffee.
“Certainly is McGee.” She leaned over to take her cup and to steal a brief kiss.
“One I am looking forward to Tim” she sipped her coffee then continued “Well we best get a big breakfast down us and get ready to go on our pilgrimage.” she grinned. “Once I get the caffeine in me I’ll race you to the shower.”
*******************************************
“When ev’ry happy plot, ends with a marriage knot”
“Owwww.” Tim shouted as his elbow hit the edge of the chair he was sitting on, the result of a hyperactive Abby who was bouncing merrily next to him like a child who had too much artificial sweetener. However Abby did manage to absorb rather a lot of Caf-pow before they arrived for the wedding ceremony, and now Tim was dearly paying for her exuberance. He managed to push her back on her own chair none too carefully, as he tried not to fall off his own in the process, and not attract attention to himself, all eyes were on Gibbs and Ducky who were signing the marriage register.
The wedding had taken place at NCIS. Tony DiNozzo had implied rather tastelessly that setting the celebrations here seemed to have saved Gibbs a lot of money than hiring a hall to impress his potential ‘Ducky-to-be’. Not having noticed the look on Gibbs’ face and not realising that he was slowly digging himself into an early grave Tony carried on with his wise ass quips about how Ducky was rich, and did Gibbs know he was marrying into wealth? Did Ducky have a dowry? And how it was a bit late for Ducky to be dressed in white. Fortunately for those who were forced to listen to Tony’s loud and less than wise words, they were treated to the typical Gibbs display of hearing Tony’s brain rattle as Gibbs slapped him on the head. There were then bets on how long Tony’s ears would ring.
Abby and Tim went up to the happy couple who were now drinking the typical celebratory champagne. She kissed both men on the cheek and gave them one of her Abby hugs.
“Hey Gibbs if you’re my step dad, does that mean that Ducky is my step mom?” She grinned tilting her head for effect.
Before Gibbs could reply Abby turned to look at Ducky “Hi Mom, You look fantastic, Dad should be thrilled that you take years off him.” She managed to avert a stray slap that was heading her way.
Ducky returned her grin with a million dollar one of his own.
“I feel fantastic Abigail. Thank you for saying so.” He opened his arms and she again hugged him.
“Hey Mom, Dad, Can I have a glass of bubbly, please mom, please dad?” Watching Abby bounce up and down like a pre teen Gibbs grinned and gave her his own glass.
“McGee?” Gibbs spoke in his most authoritative tone.
“Sir?” Tim automatically responded
“Go dance with the brat.” Abby blew a kiss and left the two lovers, still bouncing, as Tim lead her onto the make shift dance floor.
“They look great together don’t they Jethro?” Ducky murmured in his husband’s ear.
“Not as good as us Duck, not as good as us.” He gently brought his head down to the lips of his lover and covered them with his own. He grinned into the kiss as he heard cheers.
********************************************
Abby could still swear she could still hear the cheers even now as she prepared for her morning shower, she felt her eyes moisten up, but shook her head. “Not now.” she whispered to herself. “Not yet.”
Once Abby had showered, the experience took considerably longer than it should as since Abby had decided to save water and share a shower with her husband, she took her time getting dressed, ignoring Tim who expressed concern about the lateness of the morning.
“Hey Tim, I’m not rushing it’s a special day, I wanna make sure I look my best for them.” Tim gripped his wife’s shoulder and pressed her body against his, stroking her hair, which was still as soft as when she was younger.
“I know how much it means to you hon. I know you want to look your best. They will love it I am sure.” They both smiled at each other, Abby gave her husband's ass a quick squeeze and a wink.
They were rather late for breakfast, but a smile from Abby smoothed over troubled waters and the landlady offered them a typical Scottish fare, which they enjoyed thoroughly.
Back in their hotel bedroom Abby sat on the bed and spoke to the air.
“Well Gibbs, Ducky, we are here again, ready for our journey, looking forward to being with you soon.” She felt her eyes moisten up again, but laughed scanning her memories. “Hey guys remember when Tim proposed to me, and nearly landed up in traction?”
*********************************
“Love is …. Never having to say you’re sorry”
The glass doors of the Forensics lab, commonly known as Abby’s Domain opened to let in Tim McGee. Although he had a long term relationship with the mistress of this room, he still felt uneasy entering her lab. However today he was a man on a mission. For inside his pocket he held the key to his future, nervous fingers touched the small box that lay in his trouser pocket.
The recipient of the key to his future who sat on her chair currently leaning over her work station looked up. Despite the fact that her pigtails were high on her head, and she was entirely clad in white and wearing some bizarre eyewear that made her look like one of Dr Who’s aliens, Tim still loved her and her eccentricities.
“Hi McGee,” she said in her ever pleasant voice. Abby still continued to call her partner by his surname even thought they had been in a long term relationship, to her it was a affectionate pen name if anything, she only called him Tim when she was feeling particularly romantic, which was often.
“Hi err Abbs.” Tim stuttered somewhat, still fiddling with the box in his pocket. Abby noticed his nervousness and raised an eyebrow as her eyes drew to his trouser pocket.
She smirked. “Ooooooh McGee,” she giggled. ”Sex in the lab, kinky.” Her voice lowered to a seductive tone which was easy for Abby. “Where do you want me?”
“Just stay where you are for now Abbs,” replied Tim still nervous as his brains started to turn to jello. “I just want to say something to you.” He paused trying to gather his words together. He walked closer to Abby, so close that she pushed herself away from the desk.
He took the opportunity to bend down in front of her, and Abby in turn gasped, knowing what was to come, but all the same shocked into silence, her kohl lined eyes widened at what was about to come.
Tim cleared his throat. “Abby, I love you so much that sometimes it hurts, but I want to spend the rest of my days with you, I know people say we are too opposite to get on, but I think that’s what makes it work between you and I.” He paused, his whole body shaking, as he looked up at Abby who was still wide eyed and speechless herself. “So I thought that perhaps you might want to make it legal.” He again cleared his throat, took the box out of his pocket opened it towards Abby and revealed a sapphire engagement ring. “Abigail Sciuto, it would give me great satisfaction and eternal happiness if you would agree to become Mrs Timothy McGee.
The silence lasted a second before chaos reigned as Abby gave the biggest screech of joy anyone had ever heard, enough to very nearly shatter the lab. She jumped up from her chair and in her haste sent it flying along in her wake, unfortunately Tim had been leaning on it and was sent careering to the floor where his elbow smashed onto the solid ground. The ring which Abby had forgotten to take in her excitement at the proposal went sliding along the polished floor and rested underneath one of the metal tables.
Holding his arm in pain convinced he had broken it, didn’t stop Tim from scurrying after the ring. Abby after skipping round the lab very nearly fell over Tim in her excitment, however she managed to stop herself damaging Tim. She heard Tim mumble something to her about the lost ring, and she lay down next to him to assist in recovering the runaway gemstone.
It was at this point in time that unnoticed by both, the lab doors slid open and Gibbs and Ducky entered. Still recovering from the wedding celebrations that had happened a month ago, both men were still in the newly wed stage, and still very much rejoicing the fact.
When Gibbs wasn’t busy he could be found in autopsy with Ducky. Many times Gibbs could be seen with his arms round Ducky’s shoulders, or round the less than perfect waist, here were two men who although didn’t need a marriage certificate to confirm their love, thought of it as an added bonus.
Gibbs and his husband how they loved hearing and using that title, stopped on entering the lab and found themselves facing one white clad ass and one dark blue clad ass.
“Is that a mating ritual we missed Jethro do you suppose?” Ducky spoke with a hint of laughter in his gentle tones. “Because if it is dearest, I seriously doubt if I will be able to perform it.”
“I think we have enough rituals of our own Duck," replied Gibbs who was still staring at two posteriors which were twitching and mumbling under the table. “I say we just go back to where we came from and remind ourselves of precisely why I employed Abby and McGee.” Before they could leave, Abby and Tim both got up, Abby held the ring in triumph, and spotted Gibbs and Ducky. She hurled herself towards them, as Gibbs pushed Ducky behind him in protection from the inevitable Abby crash.
“Tim proposed I gotta ring see.” All sense and intelligence seemed to have flowed out of Abby in her excitement. She grabbed Gibbs by his collar and gave him a sloppy kiss, Ducky tried to hide but was unsuccessful as Abby imprinted her kiss onto his cheek.
Then she gave a look of horror and twirled round to the instigator of her current mood, and ran towards him covering his face with quick kisses that suddenly turned immeasurably more sensual as the seconds ticked away. Tim soon forgot his painful elbow and returned Abby’s kisses both ignoring their guests. Gibbs felt a tug on his sleeve as Ducky pulled him away, Gibbs with his arms around the warm body of his husband left the lab, both wearing large smiles on their faces.
******************************************
“I really don’t know where you get this energy from Abby.” Tim puffed as he struggled up the hill. “It’s all the Caf-pow I use to drink my love, I knew it was good for me.” Abby replied as Tim struggled to catch up with her.
“I don’t know why we didn’t book into a hotel closer to here.” He complained.
Abby gave an exasperated sigh “What and miss all this beauty my Darling.” They reached the top of one of the many hills. “Now wasn’t this all worth it?” She encompassed the surrounding area with her hands, as they both surveyed the beauty of their environment.
Loch Achray was one of the most beautiful Lochs in all Scotland. Named Achray which meant smooth field because of the calmness of the water which gave a spectacular reflection of the surrounding hills on its surface, showed the viewer an appreciation of the beauty and the calmness of this district. Abby knew why it became so special with Ducky and Gibbs.
They continued down the hill and on their way to the edge of the loch they passed Trossachs Church which sat watching over the loch like a serene quiet guardian.
Both taking in the countless colours and the magnificent scenery, and yet both feeling sad at the memory of a particular visit they made 10 years previously.
*********************************
Farewell, farewell my pleasure past.
Welcome my present pain
Welcome the torment in my heart
To see my Love again.
Alone, Alone, I longed for him,
Ah mistresses forsaking.
Now must I tell my hopes and fear
Of love ne’vr awakening.
The gentle patter of the water lapping against the edges of the loch was the only sound that disturbed the atmosphere. Armed with a small light blue urn, Jethro Gibbs with tears in his eyes listened to Tim McGee read out a poem, his hushed tones mixing well with the surrounding quiet of the Scottish Loch.
Holding on to his arms Abby McGee Professor of Forensics, wept silently, the breeze whipping her white streaked dark hair round her face, her eyes swollen with long hours of sorrow, and sleepless nights, everyone felt the same, but no one would feel the painful wrench of being torn from your partner like Gibbs had experienced.
Ducky’s death was still something that although would happen eventually, nonetheless shocked all. Ducky who still retained somewhat youthful looks and was mentally alert as ever having escaped the disease that struck his mother down many years previously, had one night gone to bed with his husband of many years and simply never woken up. Despite the horror of waking up to the cool body of his lover, Gibbs managed to retain the thought that Ducky had died peacefully and in a way exactly as he planned, in the arms of his beloved.
However it was still too much to handle for the former marine, who would have completely gone to pieces, had Abby and Tim not supported him. It was Tim who organised everything while Gibbs out of character had hidden almost away grief stricken, unable to cope with losing his beloved of almost 50 years. If Abby who some how managed to find a strength deep within her to cope with a distressed widower had not been there, then Gibbs would have been joining Duck on the journey to eternal peace.
Finally over a period of time Gibbs started to return to a relatively normal state of being, and after Ducky’s cremation, all three had flown to this beautiful spot in the Scottish regions, to abide by Ducky’s last request. To lie in eternal peace in Scotland. Gibbs had chosen a spot where he could spread the ashes of his loving husband. Somewhere were beauty and tranquillity would prevail, a long way from the noise and pollution of the cities.
Tim finished the poem and Gibbs gave a long and deep sigh, they all gathered near the waters edge, and Gibbs took of the urn lid, and shook out the ashes, Ducky was finally free, finally able to flow over the beauty and magnificence that was before them. Gibbs sobbed as he silently waved good bye to Ducky and promised to be with him soon.
*********************************
“Are you ready to go my love?” Tim whispered judging correctly the mood his wife was in at present. Abby let tears fall unheeded down her face, she nodded at her husband, as she picked up the pale blue urn resting at her feet.
“I don’t know why I’m crying McGee, it’s supposed to be a somewhat happy occasion for Gibbs.” Tim patted his wife’s shoulder and arm in arm they walked slowly from the church to the waters edge in precisely the same spot that they had been 10 years previously.
Abby moved a few steps away from her husband and with tears flowing again from her eyes took the urn lid of and cast out the ashes of Jethro Gibbs the one man whom she considered almost her father. “Go on Gibbs.” She shouted through the tears. “Go find him, he’s waiting,” Then she put down the urn as the ashes blew in the fresh breeze flying over the reflective loch. “I love you both, may you rest in eternal peace, forever in each others arms.
She smiled as she turned to her husband. Tim opened a book and in a low but clear voice almost singing……
“The Soul takes flight to a world that is invisible. At there arriving is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.”
Then the peace and quiet once more reigned as the two turned to walk back, completing their journey.
The End
(The last quote is from Plato on the death of Socrates)